He has to start: Liverpool fans urge Brendan Rodgers to start Mamadou Sakho following Bordeaux draw

Liverpool opened their Europa League campaign against Ligue 1 side Bordeaux on Thursday, and they managed a 1-1 draw against the French club.

Brendan Rodgers named a much-changed side from the team that lost to Manchester United, utilising a 3-4-3 formation with the likes of Jordan Rossiter, Divock Origi and Kolo Toure all coming into the side.

However, it was one player who impressed above all others, with Mamadou Sakho excelling in his first appearance for the season.

Playing as part of a back three, the 25-year-old central defender captained Liverpool to the draw, showing of his talent.

He won four aerial duels, completed three tackles, two interceptions and made seven clearances. Sakho also proved he is the best defender when it comes to playing in Rodgers’ footballing set-up, with his pass accuracy of 90% the second highest in the side - below Emre Can.

Fans have been complaining that Sakho has not been used by Rodgers in the Premier League this season, despite the obvious weaknesses in their defence, and following his impressive display against Bordeaux, fans took to Twitter to urge Rodgers to use the centre-back the Premier League.

Just watched the game. Mama was mammoth. That's what a great CB looks like. Frankly, our back 4 should be Clyne, Gomez, Sakho & Moreno #LFC

Billy Hawkins

Billy is a freelance writer who contributes to various sites concerning football. Known to possess an obsession with statistics, Eastern European club sides, and Victorian football, he focuses upon the untapped potential of the Football League in the belief it is more enjoyable than the Premier League.